So I got cut off by some chick on a caddy. Good news is that my insurance claim is siding with me and putting me at Zero fault despite it being a rear end due to how it occured. Now this is my actually first fender bender and wanted to ask experienced people if it was possible to have the repair bill spill into an actual bumper upgrade? I was planning on doing a full bumper chop anyways for a CBI front bumper and don’t see why I should have The stock bumper repaired if I’m gonna cut the majority off anyways. Any tips on how I can go about doing this or if it is even doable? Other information is that I do have a lien on the truck still if that makes a difference. Damages are all cosmetic as you can see in the picture. This rugged baby fuuiuucked up the caddy instead. This was on the highway at around 60mph. Been driving the 4Runner with zero problems since the accident since it is my daily as well as toy.

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You should be able to get a check for the damages and then spend the $ how you wish. I don't think there is a law that says you even have to have it fixed; however, you will have to sign off on it to get the check. I would have the dealer check that no safety systems were compromised.

It isn't that simple.

The insurance company will send out an appraiser who will look at the visible damage and write you a check for that - hoping that you'll take it and walk away. When you, or the bodyshop, pull off the bumper and see all sorts of hidden damage. Since the headlight is broken you may also have underhood damage in addition to the broken foam under the bumper cover - possible broken radiator support and perhaps some of the body panels that look OK but may be damaged.

Find a bodyshop that is mod friendly (ask on the forums) and take it there. The insurance company will then pay for any hidden damage and the bodyshop can source your replacement bumper as long as you pay the difference.

Looks like you have a new model with the sensor in the grill. Make sure that new bumper won't interfere with that.

The list of parts was over two pages long for light damage done to my front. 3k parts and labor. I don’t have any fancy sensors in mine. There might be light damage to a/or fender/s as well.

About 2 weeks ago got hit and run side swiped while street parked. Toyota body shop quoted $1,750 for the two dents on the driver's side front fender at 10 o'clock of the wheel well and paint damage on the bumper, fender and wheel well trim. Independents were right in the ballpark too. They all mentioned the estimate doesn't include possible damage (brackets, electrical, etc.) they may discover once they open it up.

Ahh, the days when I went to the junk yard to find an old steel replacement bumper for my Oldsmobile Delta 88 for 50 bucks...

Don't forget to go after your diminished value from the other party's insurance company.

if your confident there’s no hidden damage you just need the insurance to look it over and tell them you will fix it on your own.

and then definitely get diminished value from caddys insurance company afterwards

The insurance company will ALWAYS lowball you on their first check and you will ALWAYS have hidden damage.

cb1111 is pretty spot on.

I’m an adjuster in Texas. For us, if the check is over $1k it has to include the leinholder or a body shop (only if there’s a lein). I would shop it around to some shops and let them know what you plan to do with the bumper. Most shops won’t have a problem doing what you want as long as you pay any difference. I can’t speak to other companies but with my company, you won’t get any diminished value if you are insured through us. I always recommend our insureds to go through the other carrier when possible. There will definitely be some hidden damage to your 4Runner once it’s torn down.

I will say that I write estimates for a living. I NEVER lowball anyone. I will source A/M Capa and Recycled parts but I never write a cheap estimate in hopes the owner takes it. I know many insurance companies that do that but not all of them do. My buddy has his own shop and for every company that is cheap, there is one who will pay all that is owed.